and provides of headroom above normal high tide levels. This superseded the Battlesbridge Bypass bridge, which is further downstream, and is now classified as the A1245. There has been a bridge at Battlesbridge since at least 1372. A new bridge was erected in 1845, but collapsed when a steam traction engine attempted to cross it. A replacement bridge was erected around 1872, at a cost of £3,500, and was sufficient for all traffic for over 100 years, until it was widened to accommodate two lanes of traffic. This is the third bridge, but the road it carries was declassified when the bypass bridge opened. On the upstream side of the final bridge is a dam constructed across the river, which was part of the tide mill situated on the south bank of the river. The present mill building dates from the late 18th century, and is built of bricks with a red tiled roof. There is an opening in the dam, containing a pair of V-gates, which allowed the incoming tide to pass through them, but as the tide fell, the gates closed, and the impounded water was used to drive a water wheel. The building is now used as a warehouse and offices. Just upstream of it is a former granary and drying kiln, built of red brick and dating from the early 19th century. It was associated with the tide mill, but has since been converted into a house. Battlesbridge now contains a number of antique shops. The navigable river The river is navigable from below the bridge for to the sea. The upper reaches are quite narrow and wind between sandbanks. There are high sea walls on both sides of the channel. The river flows through Long Reach, after which it reaches Hullbridge on the south bank. A little further back from the river on the north bank is South Woodham Ferrers. Its western boundary is defined by Fenn Creek, which begins as a stream rising near Hanningfield Reservoir and is tidal below the point where it is crossed by the A132 road. There are footpaths along both river banks at this location, with Marsh Farm Country Park situated between South Woodham Ferrers and the river. On the south bank is the hamlet of Brandy Hole, and the river flows through stretches called Brandy Hole and Brandy Hole Reach. Clementsgreen Creek then forms the eastern boundary of